move to California

I am 19 and Have lived in Michigan my whole life. When I finish school in 3-4 years I want to move to California. I’m going into Advertising and money is a huge issue for me. If I make the big move out there and hate it I will not have the money to just move again. I am hoping my idealistic thought of California (Being able to enjoy the beautiful weather and beaches) will not be crushed once I get there.

So, to those of you who did move to California…Was it everything you thought it would be?

Also, I hear about how LA and SF are very materilistic…is it like that everywhere?

I’ve wanted to move out to california ever since i was little. I visit my cousins there yearly and now that I live in michigan, it makes me all the more anxious. I’m turning 18 in September and looking desperatley for a quick job to make the move. I also hope to develop my art there… :/ Berkeley is perfect for me…but money is a huuuge issue.

I am moving to California next week!

Cali

My girlfriend and I already have this planned and we really want to move out there. We arent really sure where though, but we know somewhere in LA; Ive found a few places that we could affors within 845-900s. Im getting a BA in Computer Programming so I should be getting paid good money, as well I figured that it would be a little easier to fina job out there. We still have a few years before we move; saving money; if you can give me any advice please help..
thank you

I am going to move to California in a year. I think I am going to pack my shit and move to AZ in about 2 months. I will save money at my sis’s house for a year and then move on.
I grew up in AZ, but I have felt in my bones that CA was where I belonged.
Wish me luck. Any advice is 100% welcome.

This was very difficult…but here I am! I made it, along with my husband and cats, all in one piece. We moved via car with our belongings shipped before we left, so driving a car in the middle of summer with temps from 60s-100 and four kitties in the backseat was very difficult….but we are determined to adapt to the California lifestyle. We are now residents of Walnut Creek, near San Francisco.

Wouldn’t be lovely move to California?
Is a place that I’m very curious about.

So, the move date is less than a week away. I’m excited and nervous. I can only hope everything works out for the best.

I’ve wanted this for so long, it’s refreshing that it’s finally within reach.

I lived in the suburbs of Southern California for 13 years (Riverside and Orange Counties), and your happiness all depends on what you like to do. Here’s my top pros and cons.

Pros:
-LOTS of restaurants and shopping
-In the winter, it’s possible to go skiing and surfing in the same day
-There’s always something new to do and explore
-The weather is great!
-Crime rate isn’t bad, (depends on where you live of course) and if you have good street smarts you’ll be just fine.

Cons:
-The smog is horrible during the summers, especially in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Sometimes there are smog days, where children are not allowed outside for recess
-The traffic is terrible. Be sure to research public transportation if you have to commute to work. (The public transportation system is tiny)
-Materialism is out of control in Southern Orange County. Get off your cell phones people, and start living your life!
-Cost of living is really high

I do miss the vast number of food choices, but that’s about it. I live in a small town now, and love it.

My brother-in-law lives in Berkley, and that city is pretty nice, but expensive. Such a melting pot of clutures there! I think if I ever moved back to Cali, I’d try Northern CA.